his volbeat antennas spring back and forth.[break][break]

"do i?"[break][break]

he glances up, barely catching a glimpse of them before looking down at the volbeat tummy. he bumps it into hers, laughing.[break][break]

"not as cute as you, love. i am so excited we're doing this."

[attr="class","ooc"]Abigail Mikhaylov[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-manectric"]

"if you think about it, there are just as many monsters on land as there are in the ocean."[break][break]

that's not entirely true. there is still so much of the ocean they've yet to uncover that there's definitely bound to be more down there. but his words are meant to be thoughtful.[break][break]

"i didn't know you could battle."[break][break]

he states, then chuckles.[break][break]

"are you any good?"

[attr="class","ooc"]iseult babineaux[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-manectric"]

"back in? i thought i never left."[break][break]

though he teases back, he knows his departure caused a small albeit temporary rift between them. or maybe it's just all in his head.[break][break]

from the tote bag on his shoulder, he pulls out a container and places it down next to her.[break][break]

"did you remember to eat today?"

[attr="class","ooc"]illeana reyes[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-manectric"]

james soon finds the familiar seat, though he does not settle in as comfortably as he once might have. it feels rigid, out of place.[break][break]

"well, there is really no easy way to say this so i might as well just come out and say it."

"i've been offered a position with the silph company...and i've been thinking of taking it."

[attr="class","ooc"]Eva Morales[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-manectric"]

the vividly descript walls that are painted with imagines of infinite anomalies are a welcome sight. they draw his attention immediately, though he is quick to return it to the councilman as james steps further into the office.[break][break]

predictably, perhaps, he gravitates towards the TREE OF LIFE.[break][break]

"this is a wonderful setup!"[break][break]

there's a brightness in his voice that has yet to be darkened by the perils of hoenn.[break][break]

a step forward brings him closer to the councilman.[break][break]

"it's a pleasure to meet you, sir."

[attr="class","ooc"]FERNANDO SILPH[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-manectric"]

it has been a week or two since his departure from the league scientists. he hopes there are no hard feelings but he can't say for sure, especially not when his departure could be deemed as sudden by some. and by all accounts, they would be right.[break][break]

the opportunity was too good to pass up.[break][break]

today, he returns to see illeana reyes. he knocks on her door, bearing gifts.[break][break]

"professor!"[break][break]

still, he smiles with ease.[break][break]

"i, uh, brought some food."

[attr="class","ooc"]illeana reyes[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-manectric"]

"oh, you definitely were tipsy."[break][break]

he laughs, happy and free as he's tugged towards the water. he gives in, following after with ease.[break][break]

"watch out for onigiri! he's a menace."[break][break]

speak of the devil, the manectric starts running their way, keen on tackling either one of them into the water. being the saint that he is, james takes the bullet and gets tackled in.[break][break]

his zoruas quickly follow as well.[break][break]

and so, they enjoy a well-deserved day out at the beach.

[attr="class","ooc"]Abigail Mikhaylov[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-manectric"]

even with the raise, it still won't be enough to make him stay. but that's something they'll have to explore at a later date.[break][break]

for now, he's more than happy to learn from one of the league's best.[break][break]

"i would, yes."

[attr="class","ooc"]illeana reyes[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-manectric"]

james stands as well, sand falling off his legs as he brushes his palms against them. he looks out at the ocean, following her gaze.[break][break]

"it's one of mine as well."[break][break]

the memory is enough to make him smile. he takes a step closer to her, then reaches out for her hand.[break][break]

"you were radiant that night."

[attr="class","ooc"]Abigail Mikhaylov[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-manectric"]

it's nice to see her grinning in a way he never would've expected to see. it makes him grin as well, sharing her joy of navigating relatively calm waters.[break][break]

his head tilts as he listens to her words over the buffeting winds.[break][break]

"i don't blame you! the ocean is terrifying."[break][break]

especially the deeper it is. he imagines they must be getting pretty deep now.[break][break]

"what changed?"

[attr="class","ooc"]iseult babineaux[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-manectric"]

three knocks rap at her door, announcing his presence as well as asking for permission to enter.[break][break]

"dr. morales? do you have a moment?"[break][break]

in he steps with an expression that can only be described as nervous. not really uncommon for the young scientist, but it is strange considering there should be nothing worrying him.[break][break]

"i, uh, i'd like to ask for your advice."

[attr="class","ooc"]Eva Morales[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-manectric"]

the decision to leave had not been an easy one.[break][break]

he spent weeks mulling over the opportunity presented to him. to leave would mean much better pay along with a potential acceleration of his career to work with the world's finest, but it also feels as though he's turning his back on those who believed in him in the first place.[break][break]

someday, he hopes he'll be able to get over it.[break][break]

"mr. silph. it's james baker. one of the new hires."[break][break]

or is it councilman silph? either way, he stands at the door, waiting to be invited in.

[attr="class","ooc"]FERNANDO SILPH[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-manectric"]

"damn, that'd be nice, actually."[break][break]

just like out of that one romcon Abigail Mikhaylov had him watch. jk he watched it all on his own because he's a sap who likes crying over fictional romance stories.[break][break]

leaning back, james peers up at the mating bugs only so suddenly feel really awkward. he peers over at quinn.[break][break]

"while i appreciate the beauty of nature and all that, don't you feel a bit awkward listening to them mate?"

[attr="class","ooc"]Quinn Riley[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-manectric"]